By SUNNY OKIM

The President-General of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States indigenes worldwide (Akwa Cross), Etubom (Dr) Samson Unyime Samson, has called on all members to follow the instructions given by constituted authorities in a bid to curtail the spread of the ravaging coronavirus, particularly the stay at home or work from home order.

Samson gave the advice in a statement on Thursday, a copy of which was made available toNews Express.

In the statement, the community leader expressed satisfaction with the steps taken so far by governors of the two states, Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) and Ben Ayade (Cross River), as well as the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as regards precautionary measures to ensure security of lives and property, prevention and protection.

He also called on all indigenes of Akwa Ibom and Cross River Staes worldwide to engage themselves in special prayers to God for protection.

The full statement reads:

My Fellow Akwa Cross members worldwide. At this trying time we need to be prayerful and be steadfast taking precautionary measures adhering to advices from constituted authorities.

The Covid-19 invasion of the world is a reality.

The number of infected people around the world is nearing 500,000 now and those dead are nearing 20,000.

Statistics from NCDC says there are about 55 persons infected in Nigeria. So far only one confirmed death. Glory be to God.

The reality is that the virus is here in Nigeria.

With epidemiological modelling, it is likely that with the 55 confirmed cases so far, there are likely to be more yet to be confirmed cases out there.

I want to urge us at this juncture therefore to take the issue of Covid-19 very seriously and adhere strictly to the directives of our government and health officials.

May I use this medium to appreciate the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and our own governors - Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and Prof.Ben Ayade of Akwa ibom and Cross River States respectively, for all precautionary measures taken so far to ensure security of lives and property, prevention and protection.

I advise you to follow the following precautions:

1. If you can, please stay at home for the next 2 weeks. This is the first rule.
2. Maintain basic hygiene and respiratory hygiene (wash your hands regularly with soap and water, cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing)
3. Maintain a social distance of about 1.5m from the next person if you must to go out.
4. Eat well and rest well - you may take vitamin C supplements to further boost your immunity.
5. Call the emergency numbers if you exhibit the symptoms

Persistent dry cough

High fever

Body aches and pains

Diarrhoea

Sore throat

If you reside in Lagos, you can call 08000CORONA.

6. More importantly, as children of the Most High let us pray that God should have mercy on us, heal our land and stop this pestilence.

Pray that God should heal all those that are already infected and give them cause to rejoice again.

Pray that God should give wisdom and strength to our government to do the right things.

Pray that God should give wisdom and courage to our health care providers.

7. Let us check on one another through telephone calls to be sure we are all keeping well.

God bless us all. I am your servant leader- Etubom (Dr) Samson Unyime Samson

President-General (Worldwide) Akwa Cross.